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James Burke is back to host Connections: the six-episode revival follows the same distinctive idea as the original series, tracing unexpected links among inventions, events and ideas rather than presenting scientific change as a straight line. Curiosity Stream lists the revival as an exclusive Curiosity Original on its service.
What is the new Connections series?
Connections with James Burke is a six-episode revival of Burke’s science-history documentary series. Its central approach is to follow chains of cause and effect across different eras and subjects, showing how developments that seem unrelated can combine and produce unforeseen results.
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| 1 |
![Connections 1 [5- Disc Set]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EYZhLTcYL._SL160_.jpg)
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Connections 1 [5- Disc Set] | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Day the Universe Changed | $21.93 | Buy on Amazon |
Burke described the idea to Ars Technica this way: “Connections shows how this happens: because when things come together in new ways, 1+1= 3. The connective approach offers a way to second-guess that process—and predict the future.” The equation is a metaphor for surprising combinations, not a measured statistic or a guarantee that the series can forecast events.
How the episodes trace connections
Rather than treating an invention as the product of one isolated breakthrough, the series follows the winding paths that make it possible. In an example of the original program’s storytelling, Ars Technica describes a chain that runs from cannons and castle design through maps, lighting, materials and the telegraph to the movie projector. That example illustrates the format; it is not identified as an episode of the revival.
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Curiosity Stream’s launch page names the revival’s six episodes:
- Seeing the Future
- The End of Scarcity
- In the Net
- None of This is Real
- Designer Genes
- Limitless Energy
From the original series to the revival
The BBC first aired the original Connections in the UK in 1978; it expanded to the US the following year. The Learning Channel later revived the program for two seasons, in 1994 and 1995, according to Ars Technica’s 2023 interview with Burke.
Burke told Ars Technica that the newer production uses virtual reality and archival material and moves through its stories more densely. He also argued that society’s connections have become denser and more complex, particularly with computers. Those are Burke’s observations in an interview, rather than the findings of a comparative study.
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Where to watch Connections with James Burke
Curiosity Stream’s current series listing calls the revival a Curiosity Original exclusive and says its plans provide access to the series. The page displays monthly and annual plans; check the service for current prices, plan terms and availability in your region.
Related reading
For more of Burke’s connective approach in print, Simon & Schuster lists Connections by James Burke in trade paperback. The publisher describes the book as exploring the ideas, inventions and coincidences behind technological advances. It is related reading, not the television revival. See the publisher’s book page for format and publication details.
Quick Recap
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